Traffic signal



Dec. 15, 1925.

J. H. LYNCH TRAFFIC SIGNAL Filed Feb. 1. 1925 a. .ew

, Brain.

Patented Dec. 15, 1925.

PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH H. LYNCH, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

TRAFFIC SIGNAL.

Application filed February 1, 1923.

To all whom z't may concern:

Be it known that I, JosnrI-r H. LYNCH, a citizen of the United States, residing at Brooklyn, in the county of Kings and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Traffic Signals; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, suoli as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains tol make and use the same.

In the operation of motoi vehicles, it is customary for the driver to signal the intention to turn, stop, slow down and the like by means of the hand. After dark it is difficult to signal in this manner because of inability of drivers of other vehicles discerning the hand extended to give the signal and to* overcome this objection, the present invention aims to illuminate the hand after dark and to equip the same with an electric light which is brought into play at such times only as when the hand is extended to give a signal.

Other objects and advantages will be ap parent and suggest themselves as the nature of the invention is understood.

While the drawings illustrate an embodiment of the invention it is to be understood that in adapting the same to meet different conditions and requirements, various changes in the form, proportion and minor details of construction may be resorted to without departing from the nature of the invention.

Referring to the accompanying drawings forming a part of the application:

Figure 1 is a detail view of a traffic signal showing the same applied,

Figure 2 is a vertical central longitudinal section,

- Figure 3 is a cross section on the line 3 3 of Figure 2,

Figure 4 is a section on the line 4 4 of Figure 3, and

Figure 5 is a fragmental detail of the lamp circuit.

Corresponding and like parts are referred to in the following description and designated in the several views of the drawings by like reference characters.

The signal comprises a casing l within which is disposed an electric bulb 2. A frame 3 surrounds the electric bulb 2 and projects outwardly from the casing 1 and receives a lens fl. Conductors 5 and 6, ar-

Selal No. 616,360.

ranged within the casing l, are in communication with a battery or source of electricity by means of an electric cord 7. Screws 8 threaded into the casing 1 serve to connect the strands of the wire cord 7 with the conductors 5 and G. A conductor 6 contacts with frame 3 and conductor 5. A switch lever 9 pivoted to an end of the casing at 10 serves to electrically connect the conductors 5 and 6 and thereby complete the circuit to the lamp 2 which is lighted when the hand is extended and the lever 9 is pressed upon by a thumb or linger of the hand. A spring 11 normally holds the switch lever 9 clear of the conductors 5 and 6 and the projecting` end of the switch lever is curved so as to be conveniently engaged by the thumb of the hand, whereby to close .the circuit when the hand is extended to signal. A strap 12 or like part receives the casing l which is connected thereto in any preferred way, as by means of elastic bands 13 and this strap serves to attach the signal to the hand and to maintain the same in given position, a. metal strap 14t-v attached at one end to the casing l has its opposite end bent to, engage about the hand at the base of the index linger and opposite the thumb. In practice, the signal is located upon the back of the hand so as not to interfere with the hand in the control of the vehicle or for other purpose. The signal is worn upon the hand after dark, and when the hand is extended to give a signal, the switch lever 9 is operated to close the circuit to the lamp which, when lighted, illuminates the hand so that the saine may be readily discerned. by the `driver ol" a folhnving vehicle.

What is claimed is:

A traflic signal comprising a casing, a signal element on said casing, conductors in insulated relation within said casing operatively associated with the signal member, a normally open switch lever having a portion within the ing adapted to bridge said conductors, said lever having a distal end portion extending outwardly through one end thereof and disposed adjacent the base of the index finger and opposite the thumb, and means offset from the said end of the casing pivotally mounting said lever.

In testimony whereof I aliix my signature.

JOSEPH H. LYNCH. 

